This test is ideal if you're concerned about your immune system's ability to fight infections or want to monitor your body's natural cancer defense. It measures your Natural Killer (NK) cells, which are specialized immune cells that target and destroy abnormal cells, viruses, and early cancer cells. Many people use this test when they experience frequent infections, are undergoing cancer treatment, or want to assess their immune health.
How should I prepare for this test?
No special preparation is typically required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your blood draw, and you don't need to fast. However, it's best to schedule your test when you're feeling your baseline normal rather than during an active infection, as acute illness can temporarily affect immune cell counts and may not reflect your typical immune status.
What's included in this test?
This test measures your Natural Killer (NK) cell count and activity levels, which are crucial indicators of how effectively your immune system can identify and destroy infected or abnormal cells. NK cells are your body's first line of defense against viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells, working around the clock without needing prior exposure to threats. Understanding your NK cell levels helps assess your immune resilience and your body's natural ability to protect against illness and disease.
What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your Natural Killer cell levels mean for your immune function and overall health. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, or whether you should follow up with an immunologist. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your immune cell levels over time using our trends feature to see how your interventions are supporting your immune system.
When will I get my results?
Most Natural Killer cell test results are available within 3-5 business days after your blood sample reaches the lab. This test requires specialized flow cytometry analysis to count and evaluate your immune cells, which takes a bit longer than standard blood tests. You'll receive an email notification as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is valuable for people experiencing frequent or prolonged infections, those with a history of cancer or currently in remission, and anyone concerned about their immune system strength. It's also helpful for individuals under chronic stress, those with autoimmune conditions, or people wanting to optimize their immune health through lifestyle changes. Cancer patients and survivors often use this test to monitor their immune recovery and function.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Consider this test if you're experiencing frequent colds or infections that seem to last longer than normal, slow wound healing, or persistent fatigue despite adequate rest. Other signs include recurring viral infections like cold sores or shingles, feeling run-down often, or having concerns about cancer risk due to family history. This test can help determine if your immune system is functioning optimally.
How can I naturally support my immune system and NK cells?
Supporting your Natural Killer cells starts with getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, as sleep deprivation significantly reduces NK cell activity. Regular moderate exercise like brisk walking or cycling boosts NK cell function, while chronic intense exercise can suppress it. Eat a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, garlic, and green tea, and manage stress through meditation or yoga, as chronic stress weakens immune function.
What are Natural Killer cells and why do they matter?
Natural Killer cells are specialized white blood cells that act as your body's security patrol, constantly scanning for and destroying abnormal, infected, or cancerous cells. Unlike other immune cells that need to learn what threats look like, NK cells are born ready to attack, which is why they're called natural killers. They're especially important for fighting viral infections and preventing cancer by eliminating cells before they can multiply and cause disease.
What does low Natural Killer cell activity mean?
Low NK cell activity or count suggests your immune system may not be functioning at its best, which could make you more susceptible to infections and potentially less able to fight abnormal cell growth. This can be caused by chronic stress, poor sleep, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, or underlying health conditions. Low NK cell function doesn't mean you'll definitely get sick, but it indicates your immune defense could benefit from lifestyle improvements or medical evaluation.
How often should I retest my Natural Killer cells?
If you're actively working to improve your immune function through lifestyle changes, retesting every 3-6 months can help you track progress and see if your interventions are working. For cancer patients or those in remission, your oncologist may recommend more frequent monitoring every 2-3 months. If your initial results are normal and you're feeling healthy, annual testing is typically sufficient for ongoing immune health monitoring.
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Demo results
Natural Killer Cells145 cells/µL
Demo results
LowOptimal 150 - 450High
145 cells/µL
What this means
Your Natural Killer cell count is slightly below the optimal range, which may indicate your immune system isn't functioning at its peak capacity. While this doesn't necessarily mean you're sick, it could make you more susceptible to infections and may affect your body's ability to identify and eliminate abnormal cells.
Recommended actions
Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, as sleep is crucial for NK cell production
Include immune-supporting foods like mushrooms, garlic, berries, and green tea in your diet
Practice stress management through meditation, yoga, or regular walks in nature
Engage in moderate exercise like brisk walking 30 minutes daily, avoiding overtraining
Consider retesting in 3-6 months after implementing lifestyle changes
* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
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